How to Read a Resistor with Color Code

Introduction

If you've ever looked at a small cylindrical electronic component with colored stripes and wondered what they mean, you're not alone. These components are resistors, and the colored bands printed on them represent their resistance value, tolerance, and sometimes even temperature coefficient.
In this blog, we’ll explain how to read a resistor with color code, how to use color charts, and where you can buy precision resistors online—right here at Semikart, India’s trusted electronics marketplace.

What is a Resistor with Color Code?

A resistor is a passive electrical component that limits or regulates the flow of electrical current in a circuit. Since resistors are small in size, printing their resistance values in numbers isn't practical. Instead, a color coding system is used to denote values.
This method is standardized by the IEC 60062 and applies to most through-hole resistors.

Understanding Resistor Color Codes

The color code is a sequence of colored bands printed on the resistor’s body. Each color corresponds to a number or multiplier based on the chart below:

Resistor Color Code Chart

Color	Digit	Multiplier	Tolerance (%)
Black	0	1 (10⁰)	–
Brown	1	10 (10¹)	±1%
Red	2	100 (10²)	±2%
Orange	3	1,000 (10³)	–
Yellow	4	10,000 (10⁴)	–
Green	5	100,000 (10⁵)	±0.5%
Blue	6	1,000,000 (10⁶)	±0.25%
Violet	7	10⁷	±0.1%
Grey	8	10⁸	±0.05%
White	9	10⁹	–
Gold	–	0.1 (10⁻¹)	±5%
Silver	–	0.01 (10⁻²)	±10%
None	–	–	±20%

How to Read 4-Band, 5-Band, and 6-Band Resistors

4-Band Resistor

1st Band: First digit
2nd Band: Second digit
3rd Band: Multiplier
4th Band: Tolerance

Example:
Color: Red (2), Violet (7), Yellow (×10,000), Gold (±5%)
Value: 27 × 10,000 = 270,000Ω or 270kΩ ±5%

5-Band Resistor

1st Band: First digit
2nd Band: Second digit
3rd Band: Third digit
4th Band: Multiplier
5th Band: Tolerance

Example:
Color: Brown (1), Green (5), Black (0), Red (×100), Brown (±1%)
Value: 150 × 100 = 15,000Ω or 15kΩ ±1%

6-Band Resistor

Same as 5-band, but includes an extra band for temperature coefficient (ppm/°C).
Common values:
Brown = 100 ppm/°C, Red = 50 ppm/°C, Orange = 15 ppm/°C

Where are These Resistors Used?

Consumer electronics
Automotive circuits
LED current limiting
Industrial control panels
Robotics and embedded systems

If you’re building any electronic project or repairing a device, you’ll encounter these resistors regularly.

Buy Precision Resistors Online at Semikart

At Semikart, we offer a comprehensive range of through-hole and SMD resistors, including:

¼ Watt and ½ Watt resistors
1% and 5% tolerance resistors
Carbon film and metal film types
Resistors with verified datasheets and part numbers

We stock leading brands like Vishay, Yageo, TE Connectivity, and more. Whether you're prototyping or sourcing components for bulk manufacturing, Semikart is your go-to platform.

Pro Tip: Use a Resistor Color Code Calculator

Reading color bands manually can be error-prone. That's why we recommend using an online Resistor Color Code Calculator.
At Semikart, we’re working on a handy digital tool where you can select band colors, and it’ll automatically display:

Resistance value
Tolerance
Temperature coefficient (for 6-band)

Quick Memory Aid: BB ROY of Great Britain Had Very Good Wife

This classic acronym helps remember the color sequence:

Black – 0
Brown – 1
Red – 2
Orange – 3
Yellow – 4
Green – 5
Blue – 6
Violet – 7
Grey – 8
White – 9

Final Thoughts

Understanding a resistor with color code is an essential skill for every electronics enthusiast and engineer. It helps you identify the right component quickly, ensures safe circuit design, and minimizes troubleshooting time.
Whether you're building, fixing, or learning—Semikart is here to power your project with the right resistors and more. Browse our massive inventory today and get doorstep delivery across India.

How to Identify a Resistor with Color Code: Full Guide & Examples